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Your Vehicle // Porsche // 356 (1950-1965) // 356 1950-55
Engine Bearings / Shells
Kit includes:
1 x Plastigauge PL-A box
1 x Plastiguage Mineral grease
1 x Plastiguage Silicone grease
PLASTIGAUGE PL-A is widely used in the measurement of clearance in plain automotive bearings. Measurement of clearance in big-end bearings can be achieved without dismantling the crankshaft.
3G Minerak Grease: To coat journal prior to use of Plastigauge
3G Silicone Grease: To apply to surface of shell
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Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
PLASKIT
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100 Plasigauge strips per box
PLASTIGAUGE PL-A is widely used in the measurement of clearance in plain automotive bearings. Measurement of clearance in big-end bearings can be achieved without dismantling the crankshaft.
For measurements of: 0.001″ to 0.007″ (0.025mm – 0.175mm)
Suitable for use at temperatures between 0°C and 35°C
Contents:
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Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
PLA007
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Big End Bearing Shell, 0.50 mm Inner Undersize
Sold each - 8 required per car
This replacement big end bearing shell is designed for
Porsche 356 and 912 engines with a crankshaft that has been reground to the
corresponding 0.50 mm undersize specification.
Fits:
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
Diagram Ref No 1
The bearing provides a low-friction surface between the connecting rod and crankshaft journal, helping maintain correct oil clearance and protect internal engine components.
What Does It Do?
The big end bearing supports the connecting rod on the crankshaft journal, allowing smooth rotation while maintaining a protective film of engine oil between moving surfaces.
Why Does It Fail?
Common causes include:
- Insufficient oil pressure or lubrication
- Contaminated engine oil
- Excessive engine wear
- Incorrect bearing clearance
- Engine overheating
When Should It Be Replaced?
Replace during an engine rebuild when the existing bearings show scoring, excessive wear or damage.
A 0.50 mm undersize bearing is required only when the crankshaft journals have been machined to the corresponding specification.
Checks & Installation
Measure crankshaft journal dimensions and bearing oil clearances before installation.
Inspect the connecting rods, crankshaft surfaces and oil passages for wear or damage. Installation should follow Porsche engine rebuilding specifications.
Key Features
- Replacement connecting rod big end bearing shell
- Porsche reference 61610314262 0.50 mm inner undersize
- Suitable for specified Porsche 356 and 912 engines
- Supports correct crankshaft lubrication
- Sold individually – 8 shells required per engine
Porsche 356 & 912 Big End Bearings and Engine Rebuild Parts
Big end bearing shells are essential components of the Porsche 356 and 912 flat-four engine, supporting the connecting rods and protecting crankshaft journals from metal-to-metal contact.
Selecting the correct bearing size is critical when rebuilding an engine with a reground crankshaft.
Related reference numbers
Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
61610314262
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
Fits:
Porsche 912 1965-69
Porsche 356 1300 / 1500 / 1600
Click 'Zoom in' for large parts diagram.
Diagram ref no 20
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Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
61610314272
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
Fits:
Porsche 912 1965-69
Porsche 356 1300 / 1500 / 1600
Engine Types 616.15, 616.16, 616.36, 616.39, 616.40,
Click 'Zoom in' for large parts diagram.
Diagram ref no 20
Related reference numbers
Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
61610314252
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
Fits:
Porsche 912 1965-69
Porsche 356 1300 / 1500 / 1600
Engine Types 616.15, 616.16, 616.36, 616.39, 616.40,
Click 'Zoom in' for large parts diagram.
Diagram ref no 20
Related reference numbers
Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
61610314262
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
Glyco Ref: 71-1971/4 STD
Engine Types 616.15, 616.16, 616.36, 616.39, 616.40,
Fits:
Porsche 912 1965-69
Porsche 356 1300 / 1500 / 1600
Click 'Zoom in' for large parts diagram.
Diagram ref no 20
Related reference numbers
Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
61610314202
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
OE Match big end con rod bearing set.
Fits
- Porsche 912 1965-69
- Porsche 356 1300 / 1500 / 1600
Check fitment for your specific vehicle (model, year, engine) before ordering.
Diagram ref number: 20
What This Product Does
These bearing shells sit between the connecting-rod big ends and crankshaft journals. With the correct clearance and oil supply, they provide a lubricated interface that accommodates rotation and transfers combustion loads through the connecting rods.
Functions
- Provide the bearing interface at the connecting-rod big ends.
- Maintain space for the lubricating oil film when correctly matched and installed.
- Distribute loads across the crankshaft journal bearing surfaces.
Technical Details
- Supplied part reference: 61610314272.
- Bearing specification: 0.75mm inner undersize.
- Product type: big end connecting-rod bearing set.
Symptoms of Fault
Possible signs of bearing wear include a knock or rumble under load, reduced oil pressure when hot, and metal particles found during oil or filter inspection. Scoring on removed shells also warrants investigation. These findings are not exclusive to con rod bearings, so establish the cause before selecting replacement parts.
Why Replacement Matters
Renewing worn shells forms part of restoring the specified bearing clearance during engine repair. Inspect the crankshaft journals and connecting rods, measure the assembled clearance, and investigate lubrication problems or contamination before reassembly. New bearings alone will not correct damaged journals or an unresolved oil-supply fault.
FAQs
Can I choose these bearings by vehicle model alone?
No. The 0.75mm inner undersize must also match the crankshaft's measured condition and machining specification.
What can cause premature bearing wear?
Insufficient lubrication, contaminated oil, overheating and incorrect assembly clearances can contribute.
What should be checked during replacement?
Inspect journal surfaces, measure bearing clearances and identify any debris or oil-system fault responsible for the original wear.
Related reference numbers
Related, superseded, cross reference or alternative numbers for comparison.
61610314272
The product you are viewing cross references to these numbers
- Porsche 911 1965-1968 2.0L / 912 SWB (F)
- Porsche 356 1950-55
- Porsche 356A 1955-59
- Porsche 356B 1959-63
- Porsche 356C 1963-65
LIQUI MOLY LM 48 Spray Paste – 300ml
LIQUI MOLY LM 48 Spray Paste is a heavy-duty assembly and maintenance lubricant designed to reduce friction, prevent wear and protect metal components against corrosion.
Its molybdenum disulphide-based formulation provides excellent adhesion, even on smooth surfaces, making it particularly useful when assembling bearings, bushes, pins and sliding components.
What Does It Do?
LM 48 Spray Paste forms a strongly adhering lubricating film on metal surfaces, helping prevent direct metal-to-metal contact.
It is particularly useful for protecting components during assembly and initial operation, reducing the risk of scoring, seizing and premature wear.
Why Is It Important?
Bearings, bushes, pins and sliding components can experience high pressure and friction during installation and operation.
Insufficient lubrication may cause:
- Metal-to-metal contact Scoring and surface damage
- Seized components Increased mechanical wear
- Corrosion during service
LM 48 provides a protective lubricating layer to help minimise these problems.
When Should It Be Used?
Use during the assembly, repair or maintenance of suitable
metal components, particularly:
- Bearing and bush installation
- Press-fitting pins and bearing bushes
- Assembly of plain bearing rings
- Lubrication of sliding guides
- Basic lubrication of joints and small mechanical components
Do not apply to brake friction surfaces, belts or components requiring a specified alternative lubricant.
Application Instructions
- Clean the surfaces before application.
- Shake the aerosol thoroughly.
- Spray a thin, even coating onto the required surfaces.
- Avoid excessive application.
- After use, invert the can and spray briefly to clear the nozzle.
Key Features
- Contains molybdenum disulphide, graphite and other solid lubricants
- Excellent adhesion to metal surfaces
- Reduces friction and mechanical wear
- Helps prevent scoring and seizing
- Provides corrosion protection
- Suitable for heavy-duty assembly applications
- Emergency-running lubrication properties
- Operating temperature range -35°C to +450°C
LIQUI MOLY Assembly Lubricants & Maintenance Sprays for Porsche
Correct lubrication during component assembly helps prevent premature wear, corrosion and damage to precision metal surfaces.
LIQUI MOLY LM 48 Spray Paste is suitable for a wide range of appropriate Porsche workshop applications, including bearing installation, suspension component assembly and lubrication of metal sliding surfaces.
Its high-pressure lubricating properties make it particularly useful during classic Porsche restoration and routine mechanical maintenance.
3G Mineral Grease: To coat journal prior to use of Plastigauge
3G Silicone Grease: To apply to surface of shell
Lubricants to assist with the measurement of clearance in automotive bearings.
Plastigauge Precision Clearance Gauges
Engine Shell Bearings – Precision Big End, Con Rod & Thrust Bearings for Porsche Engines
Engine shell bearings are the unsung heroes of an engine's architecture — ensuring smooth, friction-free motion between the crankshaft, connecting rods, and engine block. They play a vital role in maintaining oil clearance, supporting rotation, and absorbing load during combustion.
At Design911, we supply a full range of precision-engineered shell bearings, including big end bearings, connecting rod (con rod) bearings, and thrust bearings, designed for both classic air-cooled and modern water-cooled Porsche engines. Manufactured to high-grade tolerances, our bearings provide exceptional load capacity, surface finish, and oil film stability — guaranteeing reliability even under extreme performance conditions.
Whether you’re carrying out a rebuild, refresh, or performance upgrade, our manufacturer-quality bearings deliver the balance, durability, and precision demanded by Porsche enthusiasts and engine builders worldwide.
What Do Engine Shell Bearings Do?
Shell bearings create a low-friction interface between rotating and stationary engine parts, allowing the crankshaft and connecting rods to spin freely under heavy load.
Core Functions:
- Support
crankshaft and con rod rotation with minimal friction.
- Maintain
correct oil clearance for consistent lubrication.
- Absorb
and distribute combustion forces evenly across the crank journals.
- Reduce wear and vibration, enhancing engine longevity.
Without these bearings, metal-to-metal contact would occur, resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
Why Do Engine Bearings Fail?
Even high-performance bearings wear over time, particularly when exposed to heat, contamination, or oil pressure issues. Failure can lead to increased friction, engine noise, or complete bearing seizure.
Common Causes of Bearing Failure Include:
- Oil
starvation or low oil pressure, causing direct metal contact.
- Contaminated
or degraded engine oil, introducing abrasive particles.
- Improper
clearance or installation, leading to uneven wear.
- Overheating
from excessive load or detonation.
- Bearing fatigue or material degradation after prolonged use.
Signs of bearing wear include knocking sounds, low oil pressure warnings, or visible scoring on bearing surfaces. Immediate replacement is critical to prevent damage to the crankshaft and engine block.
Why Replace with Precision-Grade Bearings?
Installing new, precision-matched bearings during an engine rebuild ensures proper oil clearance, smooth operation, and reliable power delivery.
Key Benefits:
- Restores
optimal oil pressure and lubrication performance.
- Eliminates
knocking and vibration caused by worn bearings.
- Prevents
crankshaft scoring and internal wear.
- Crafted
from tri-metal or bi-metal alloys for superior strength and
durability.
- Precision-machined
tolerances ensure consistent performance and fitment.
- Compatible with a wide range of Porsche engines, from air-cooled 911s to GT models.
Replacing worn shell bearings is a vital step in any Porsche engine rebuild, ensuring the longevity and smoothness that define the marque’s performance heritage.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive range of big end, con rod, and thrust bearings.
- Precision-engineered
to motorsport standards for high-load durability.
- Tri-metal
and bi-metal alloy constructions for strength and thermal stability.
- Ensures consistent oil clearance and pressure balance.
- Ideal for rebuilds, restorations, and high-performance applications.
- Perfect fitment for Porsche air-cooled and water-cooled engines.